9 Safe Driving Tips When Sharing The Road With Large Trucks
September 16, 2024 | Sagi Shaked | Blog
Driving alongside massive trucks can be nerve-racking. Their sheer size and weight give them a formidable presence on the road. With some intelligent precautions, however, you can drive safely around big rigs.
Here are nine tips for sharing the highway with tractor-trailers.
1. Give Them Space
The most important thing is to give trucks plenty of room. Their large size means they have significant blind spots and take much longer to stop. Don’t tailgate or cut in front of a truck too closely. Florida traffic laws cite tailgating as a traffic offense that risks fines and points on your driver’s license and can also expose you to liability in a car accident injury claim.
A good rule of thumb is to stay far enough back that you can see the truck’s side mirrors. If you can’t see the driver in their reflection, they likely can’t see you either.
2. Stay Out Of The “No Zones”
Trucks have sizable blind spots on all four sides, which are sometimes called “no zones.” They’re found:
- Directly in front, up to 20 feet
- Directly behind, up to 200 feet
- Along both sides (especially the right side), up to 30 feet on the left and nearly the entire length of the truck on the right
It’s a good idea to avoid lingering in these areas where the truck driver can’t see you.
3. Pass With Caution
When passing a truck, accelerate smoothly to get by as quickly as possible. Don’t dawdle alongside the truck where the driver can’t see you. Once you’re clear, don’t merge back in front until you can see the entire front of the truck in your rearview mirror.
4. Watch For Wide Turns
Trucks need extra room to make turns, especially right turns. They may swing wide or initiate a turn from the middle lane. Never try to squeeze by on the right side of a turning truck — you’ll be directly in its biggest blind spot.
5. Don’t Cut Them Off
Fully loaded trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. For this reason, they need much more time and distance to come to a stop than passenger vehicles. Don’t cut in front of a big rig and then brake suddenly. Leave extra space when merging and changing lanes.
6. Be Aware Of The Driver’s Limited Visibility
Truck drivers sit up much higher than car drivers and have different sightlines — what’s clearly visible to you may be completely obscured for them. Make eye contact with truck drivers when possible, and use your turn signals to communicate your intentions.
7. Brace For Wind Gusts
Semi-trucks can create strong air currents, especially when passing. Be prepared for sudden gusts that could push your car sideways. Keep both hands firmly on the wheel when trucks pass you.
8. Be Extra Careful In Bad Weather
Rain, snow, and ice make driving around trucks even more hazardous. Increase your following distance and slow down. Be especially careful on entrance and exit ramps, where trucks are more likely to tip over in slippery conditions.
9. Don’t Drive Distracted
Many accidents happen when drivers are distracted. Since trucks take longer to respond to changes due to their size and weight, the vehicle may take longer to stop or change lanes, even when a truck driver reacts quickly. Such a delay could easily lead to an accident, so stay alert at all times when driving near commercial trucks.
And while it should go without saying, it’s also important to avoid driving while fatigued or under the influence of alcohol.
Stay Vigilant On The Road
Sharing the road with large trucks demands watchfulness and caution. By following these tips and doing your best to stay alert and ready to react, you can share the highway safely with tractor-trailers. The key is respecting their size and limitations while making yourself as visible as possible.
Contact A Miami Truck Accident Lawyer
You might wonder what to do next if you or a loved one experienced a truck accident. You might struggle with finances, injuries, and emotional burdens. Our experienced personal injury attorneys can help you. Contact Shaked Law Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a Miami truck accident lawyer.
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Miami, FL and need legal help, contact our Miami truck accident lawyers at Shaked Law Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation.
Shaked Law Personal Injury Lawyers
20900 NE 30th Ave Suite 715
Aventura, FL 33180
(305) 937-0191